Winners Create Prototypes with Advice from Architects and Designers

Lexus launched the "Lexus Design Award" in 2013 with the aim of fostering and supporting emerging creators while generating designs that contribute to a richer society and a better future. Now in its fifth year, the award called for designs based on the theme "YET," signifying the coexistence of seemingly contradictory elements. This year, 1,152 entries were received from 63 countries worldwide.

HAVING NOTHING, AND YET POSSESSING EVERYTHING

PIXEL

The theme "YET" embodies one of Lexus's core manufacturing philosophies: aiming for new heights and creating new values by harmonizing, rather than compromising, seemingly opposing elements. Six world-renowned judges, including Paola Antonelli, Curator at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), architect Toyo Ito, and Alice Rawsthorn, Design Critic for The New York Times International Edition, selected the 12 winning entries.

Furthermore, four of the 12 winners received direct guidance from mentors—architects and designers such as Neri & Hu and Elena Manferdini—to create prototypes. These unique creations include a suitcase for a rich life with minimal belongings, a musical instrument made from vegetables, and a light that allows one to perceive the presence of light and shadow.

PLAYER'S PFLUTE

STRUCTURAL COLOR - STATIC YET CHANGING

These four prototype works, along with the other eight winning entries, will be showcased at the Lexus venue during Milan Salone in April. Participants will have the opportunity to present their work at the venue, and one Grand Prix winner will be chosen from the four prototype works.

Beauty and new values born from the harmony and coexistence of opposing elements. We look forward to witnessing the challenges undertaken by the world's next generation of creators.

Lexus Design Award 2017 Prototype Works

Work Title | HAVING NOTHING, AND YET POSSESSING EVERYTHING
Winner | Ahran Won / South Korea
Mentor | Neri & Hu

Work Title | PIXEL
Winner | Hiroto Yoshizoe / Japan
Mentor | Snarkitecture

Work Title | PLAYER'S PFLUTE
Winner | Jia Wu / China
Mentor | Max Lamb

Work Title | STRUCTURAL COLOR - STATIC YET CHANGING
Winner | Jessica Fügler / USA
Mentor | Elena Manferdini

Lexus Design Award 2016 Panel Exhibition Works

Work Title | BUOYANT MEASURING SPOON FOR THE BLIND
Winner | Eunjin Park / South Korea

Work Title | THE LANDSCAPE OF PAPER
Winner | Kuniko Maeda / Japan

Work Title | MASS PRODUCTION TO UNIQUE ITEMS
Winner | TAKEHANAKE-Bungorogama (Yoshifumi Takehana / Japan, Bungo Okuda / Japan, Akira Okuda / Japan)

Work Title | PAPER KETTLE
Winner | Ryo Katayama / Japan

Work Title | PLATANACEAE
Winner | Paula Cermeño / Peru

Work Title | POD: HOMELESS YET HOME
Winner | MODlab (Eric Schwartzbach / USA, Benjamin Ward / USA)

Work Title | RETROSPECTION PROJECT / TIME TUNE RADIO
Winner | Takuro Sanada / Japan

Work Title | TRAFFIC LIGHT SYSTEM
Winner | Evgeny Arinin / Russia

Lexus Design Award 2017
http://LexusDesignAward.com/jp